Cycling for fitness and environment: Fit India’s ‘Sundays on Cycle’ gains momentum

Mumbai: The flagship event of the Fit India Movement, ‘Sundays on Cycle,’ was held at Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India on Sunday. Over 500 cyclists, including wellness experts, cycling club members, and fitness enthusiasts, participated in the ride, which concluded at Girgaon Chowpatty via the scenic Marine Drive. The event aimed to raise awareness about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle while promoting cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport to combat pollution.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya leads the initiative

Union Minister for Youth Affairs, Sports and Labour, Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the ride, launching the campaign in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fitter nation. The initiative also echoed Modi’s recent call to address obesity, particularly among urban youth. This week’s campaign message emphasized the fight against obesity, using the hashtag #FightObesity.

Notable participants join the ride

The cycling event saw participation from prominent figures, including Dr. Mickey Mehta, global wellness expert; Shaina NC, designer, social worker, and fitness enthusiast; Sanjay Bhatia, UPA-Lokayukta, Maharashtra, and Heartfulness Meditation trainer; Krishna Prakash, IPS, Additional Director General, Mumbai, and Ironman Triathlon finisher; Mayank Srivastav, IPS, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI); Pandurang Chate, Regional Director, SAI Mumbai; Bhavani Naik Joshi, CEO, BYCS India Foundation; Aishwarya Raj Bhakuni**, emerging actor and several SAI athletes and members of Mumbai’s cycling clubs.

Promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle

Addressing the participants, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of fitness for nation-building: “A developed India can only be achieved if its citizens are fit. ‘Sundays on Cycle’ propagates the message of fitness while also promoting an environment-friendly transport alternative. I urge everyone, especially the youth, to cycle whenever possible—it benefits both health and the environment.”

Fitness advocate Shaina NC praised the initiative, stating: “This is a much-needed campaign. While today’s ride was only 5 km, the enthusiasm was incredible. The message of fighting obesity is crucial, especially as a sedentary lifestyle becomes more common.”

Wellness expert Dr. Mickey Mehta added: “Cycling is a celebration of life. Such initiatives, with mass participation, will encourage many to take their first steps towards a healthier future.”

Simultaneous cycling events across India

Apart from Mumbai, ‘Sundays on Cycle’ was held at Dhyanchand National Stadium in New Delhi, where over 170 cyclists, including 2024 Senior Asian Wrestling Championship bronze medalist Shivani Pawar and 2025 National Games gold medalist, participated. Representatives from Decathlon, Cult.Fit, Sports Authority of India National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR), and Yogasana Bharat wellness coaches also joined.

Shivani Pawar praised the event, saying: “It’s wonderful to see both elders and youth participating together. Fitness and sports should be an integral part of our lives, and parents should encourage children to take part in such activities.”

In Faridabad, IRS officer and Fit India Ambassador Narendra Yadav led a cycling drive at Sports Complex, Sector 12. Over 150 cyclists, including athletes and 20 yoga instructors from Patanjali Yog Sansthan, took part in the event.

A nationwide movement for fitness

Launched on December 17 last year, ‘Sundays on Cycle’ has already been hosted in over 3,500 locations across India. On February 16, the initiative was held in over 100 locations, featuring renowned athletes, wellness experts, and cycling clubs. Events are regularly organized at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).

With growing participation, ‘Sundays on Cycle’ continues to champion fitness, fight obesity, and promote sustainable urban transport, making India healthier and greener one ride at a time.